THE F*CK IMPLOSION
Even if you’re one of those people who only listen to metal, hardcore, or other such heavy music styles, you have to concede the fact that many of the musicians you love do not share that singular devotion to one genre. Some artists go even further and apply their broad tastes to the music they make. (Mike Patton might be one of the best examples of this.) That being said, I was admittedly quite surprised to learn that Melvins drummer Dale Crover plays on indie rocker Lou Barlow’s forthcoming solo album Goodnight Unknown. And not just on one track…
From the surging opening track “Sharing” to the surprisingly soulful performances on “The Right,” Goodnight Unknown benefits from Barlow’s tunefulness and his decision to record the record relatively quickly, with old friends and new. The Melvins’ Dale Crover adds inspired drum work throughout, and Goodnight Unknown’s urgent sound owes just as much to frequent Barlow collaborator Imaad Wasif (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, alaska!). The record’s considerable power also stems from the new talents on board, including producer Andrew Murdock and Lisa Germano.
Now before you all start whining, there’s a strong possibility that this new Barlow album might actually, um, rock. After all, Barlow is a founding member of the somewhat-recently reunited rockers Dinosaur Jr. The aforementioned Mr. Murdock previously produced Avenged Sevenfold’s Waking the Fallen, Chimaira’s debut Pass Out of Existence, Throwdown’s Venom and Tears… and, um, uhhh, like, ummm, oh jeez, Godsmack’s first two albums. Look, I’m not saying that “Mudrock” is going to squeeze a metal album out of the guy behind The Folk Implosion, but it might be the most palatable of his non-Dino releases for the metal audience. Come on, people: Dale Crover is playing drums on this fucking thing. That has got to count for something, right? Right?
If anyone needs me, I’ll be crying under my desk.
-GS
[Gary Suarez doesn’t want to be the one who rides flame. He usually manages the consistently off-topic No Yoko No. Say, why don’t you follow him on Twitter?]
